January 2026 Edition
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January 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#12321
On 2026-07-23, the Foreign Office of Pakistan issued a formal condemnation regarding threats posed by which group against Saudi Arabia and Red Sea shipping?
(a) Al-Shabaab
(b) Houthi militia
(c) Hezbollah
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Foreign Office issued a statement on 2026-07-23 specifically condemning the Houthi militia for their threats against Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping. Other groups like Al-Shabaab or Hezbollah were not the subject of this specific diplomatic communication. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431372/fo-slams-houthi-threats-against-ksa-shipping, 23 Jul 2026]
#12322
Consider the following statements about the security situation in Balochistan as of July 2026: 1. Security forces engaged in joint operations to target remnants of terrorist groups. 2. The military identified a nexus between specific groups and foreign-sponsored entities. 3. The operations resulted in the recovery of ammunition and improvised explosive devices. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: All three statements are factually correct based on the ISPR report. The military confirmed joint operations, identified a nexus between 'Fitna al Hindustan' and 'Fitna al Khwarij', and reported the recovery of weapons, ammunition, and IEDs. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431262/10-terrorists-killed-two-female-suicide-bombers-arrested-in-balochistan-ispr, 22 Jul 2026]
#12323
Who was appointed as the new Pakistani ambassador to Iran as of July 23, 2026?
(a) Imran Ahmed Siddiqui
(b) Asif Durrani
(c) Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry
(d) None of these
Explanation: Imran Ahmed Siddiqui is the diplomat who presented his credentials to the Iranian President on the specified date. The other names are former diplomats or officials not currently serving in this specific capacity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017654/iranian-president-pezeshkian-calls-for-strengthening-pak-iran-relations, 23 Jul 2026]
#12324
The Foreign Office of Pakistan issued its statement regarding Houthi threats on which date in 2026?
(a) July 21, 2026
(b) July 23, 2026
(c) July 25, 2026
(d) July 27, 2026
Explanation: The official Foreign Office statement was published on July 23, 2026, as documented in the official records of the event. The other dates are incorrect distractors. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431372/fo-slams-houthi-threats-against-ksa-shipping, 23 Jul 2026]
#12325
Who is the current President of Iran who received the credentials of the new Pakistani ambassador on July 23, 2026?
(a) Ebrahim Raisi
(b) Hassan Rouhani
(c) Masoud Pezeshkian
(d) Mohammad Mokhber
Explanation: Masoud Pezeshkian is the current President of Iran who met with the Pakistani ambassador in July 2026. Ebrahim Raisi was his predecessor, making him an incorrect distractor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017654/iranian-president-pezeshkian-calls-for-strengthening-pak-iran-relations, 23 Jul 2026]
#12326
Consider the following statements about the maritime security situation on July 23, 2026: 1. The Houthis claimed that the targeted tankers had violated a naval blockade. 2. The United States Central Command reported the redirection of nine commercial vessels to prevent Iranian port access. 3. The Saudi Arabian government confirmed that the crew of the Encelia suffered multiple casualties during the attack. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are factually accurate based on the reports from the Houthis and US Central Command. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Saudi authorities explicitly stated that all crew members were safe and no casualties were reported. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017740/houthis-attack-saudi-tankers-in-red-sea-as-us-strikes-iran-for-12th-consecutive-day, 23 Jul 2026]
#12327
Consider the following statements about the 2026 UN Arria-Formula meeting on Syria: 1. Pakistan argued that transitional justice is vital for promoting reconciliation and restoring trust. 2. The meeting focused exclusively on military strategies for ending the Syrian conflict. 3. Pakistan emphasized that international mechanisms should respect Syria's national ownership. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 and 3 are correct as they reflect Pakistan's focus on reconciliation and sovereignty. Statement 2 is incorrect because the meeting focused on transitional justice and missing persons, not military strategy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017641/pakistan-opposes-externally-imposed-solutions-for-syria, 23 Jul 2026]
#12328
Which of the following is NOT a stated objective of the bilateral cooperation discussed between Pakistan and Iran on July 23, 2026?
(a) Establishing a joint military base in the Persian Gulf
(b) Strengthening unity among the Muslim Ummah
(c) Expanding cooperation across a wide range of sectors
(d) Promoting regional peace and security
Explanation: The diplomatic meeting focused on peace, security, and unity; there was no mention of establishing a joint military base. The other three options are explicitly mentioned as core goals of the bilateral relationship. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017654/iranian-president-pezeshkian-calls-for-strengthening-pak-iran-relations, 23 Jul 2026]
#12329
Which of the following statements regarding the attack in Mastung on July 23, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The attack resulted in the death of a security guard.
(b) The incident occurred in the Wali Khan area.
(c) The Additional Sessions Judge was killed in the ambush.
(d) The Prime Minister condemned the attack as a cowardly act.
Explanation: The Additional Sessions Judge, Tariq Lashari, was critically injured but did not die in the attack. The other statements accurately reflect the details of the incident. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431455/sessions-judge-guard-killed-in-mastung-attack, 23 Jul 2026]
#12330
Which organization reported receiving a distress call from a tanker struck by a projectile in the Red Sea on July 23, 2026?
(a) General Transport Authority (GTA)
(b) United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO)
(c) Saudi Arabian Coast Guard
(d) International Maritime Organization (IMO)
Explanation: The UKMTO agency confirmed receiving a report from a tanker master regarding a projectile strike that caused an onboard fire, matching the details of the attack on the Encelia. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017740/houthis-attack-saudi-tankers-in-red-sea-as-us-strikes-iran-for-12th-consecutive-day, 23 Jul 2026]
#12331
Which international mediation effort by Pakistan was specifically recalled by the Iranian President during the July 2026 meeting?
(a) Negotiations between Iran and Saudi Arabia
(b) Dialogue between Iran and the United States
(c) Talks between Iran and the European Union
(d) Mediation between Iran and Israel
Explanation: President Pezeshkian explicitly acknowledged Pakistan's efforts to facilitate dialogue between Iran and the United States. While Pakistan has been involved in other regional mediations, this specific instance was highlighted in the diplomatic exchange. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017654/iranian-president-pezeshkian-calls-for-strengthening-pak-iran-relations, 23 Jul 2026]
#12332
What was the primary objective of the curfew imposed in Khud Kocha on July 22, 2026?
(a) To facilitate a census operation
(b) To manage a natural disaster emergency
(c) To conduct a polio vaccination drive
(d) To maintain peace and public safety
Explanation: The Balochistan Home Department imposed the curfew specifically to address the deteriorating security situation following a bus attack and bridge explosion. The measure was intended to restrict movement and ensure public safety during ongoing security operations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017589/curfew-imposed-in-mastungs-khud-kocha-after-bus-attack-bridge-blast, 22 Jul 2026]
#12333
Who was the Sessions Judge killed in the attack in Mastung on July 23, 2026?
(a) Abdul Hakeem Kakar
(b) Tariq Lashari
(c) Mir Ziaullah Langau
(d) None of these
Explanation: Sessions Judge Abdul Hakeem Kakar was the judicial officer killed in the attack. Tariq Lashari was the Additional Sessions Judge who survived with injuries, and Mir Ziaullah Langau is the Home Minister. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431455/sessions-judge-guard-killed-in-mastung-attack, 23 Jul 2026]
#12334
Who is the current Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations who addressed the Arria-Formula meeting on Syria in 2026?
(a) Munir Akram
(b) Asim Iftikhar Ahmad
(c) Maleeha Lodhi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad represented Pakistan at the UN Arria-Formula meeting regarding Syria. Munir Akram and Maleeha Lodhi are former representatives, making them incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017641/pakistan-opposes-externally-imposed-solutions-for-syria, 23 Jul 2026]
#12335
Which technology is being utilized by the Punjab government to monitor rivers, dams, and barrages during the 2026 monsoon season?
(a) Safe City cameras
(b) Satellite imagery
(c) Drone surveillance
(d) Seismic sensors
Explanation: The Punjab Chief Minister directed that critical water infrastructure be monitored round the clock using Safe City cameras. This measure aims to enhance flood response and safety. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431316/17-people-killed-in-rain-related-incidents-in-punjab, 23 Jul 2026]
#12336
What was the primary cause of the majority of the 17 fatalities reported in Punjab during the 2026 monsoon season?
(a) Electrocution
(b) Lightning strikes
(c) Collapse of old and dilapidated buildings
(d) None of these
Explanation: Out of the 17 total deaths, 12 were attributed to the collapse of old and dilapidated buildings. Electrocution and lightning strikes accounted for the remaining fatalities. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431316/17-people-killed-in-rain-related-incidents-in-punjab, 23 Jul 2026]
#12337
Consider the following statements about the 2026 monsoon response in Punjab: 1. The PDMA reported that water levels in Tarbela Dam stood at 57 percent. 2. Residents of Gujrat experienced rainwater drainage within three hours. 3. The total number of injured persons reported in rain-related incidents was 107. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: All three statements are factually accurate based on the PDMA report and the government's operational updates for July 2026. The data confirms the dam levels, the drainage efficiency in Gujrat, and the total injury count. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431316/17-people-killed-in-rain-related-incidents-in-punjab, 23 Jul 2026]
#12338
How many districts in Punjab were equipped with Water and Sanitation Agencies (WASA) to manage monsoon drainage in 2026?
(a) 35 districts
(b) 45 districts
(c) 41 districts
(d) 50 districts
Explanation: The provincial government established or utilized WASA operations across 41 districts to ensure the swift drainage of rainwater. This infrastructure was supported by over 1,000 machines. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431316/17-people-killed-in-rain-related-incidents-in-punjab, 23 Jul 2026]
#12339
Which of the following is NOT a cause of the 17 fatalities reported in Punjab during the 2026 monsoon season?
(a) Collapse of old buildings
(b) Flash flooding in urban centers
(c) Electrocution
(d) Lightning strikes
Explanation: The reported fatalities were specifically attributed to building collapses, lightning, and electrocution. While urban flooding occurred, it was not listed as a direct cause of the 17 deaths. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431316/17-people-killed-in-rain-related-incidents-in-punjab, 23 Jul 2026]
#12340
On July 23, 2026, which maritime chokepoint was identified as the site of Houthi militia attacks on Saudi Arabian oil tankers?
(a) Strait of Hormuz
(b) Bab el-Mandeb Strait
(c) Suez Canal
(d) Strait of Malacca
Explanation: The Houthi militia targeted Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This location is a critical maritime chokepoint for global oil supplies, distinct from the Strait of Hormuz. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431430/pakistan-reiterates-unwavering-support-for-saudi-arabias-security-sovereignty, 23 Jul 2026]